不靠光合作用，靠地震“充电”——地球深部微生物生存奥秘破译

Core Insights - The research conducted by the Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry reveals that chemical energy released during crustal fractures can sustain deep subsurface microbial life, significantly altering the understanding of Earth's deep biosphere and providing a basis for the concept of "dark life" on other celestial bodies like Mars and Europa [1][2] Group 1: Energy Mechanism - The study indicates that the hydrogen gas produced during rock fractures is at least 100,000 times greater than that generated by known serpentinization or radiolytic processes, suggesting a powerful energy source for subsurface life [1] - The annual hydrogen flux generated by seismic activity on fault surfaces can reach 737.2 moles per square meter, which far exceeds the energy requirements for microbial communities, allowing for rapid growth and reproduction [2] Group 2: Implications for Extraterrestrial Life - The energy mechanism identified may also occur in ancient fault lines on Mars or in cracks in Europa's ice shell, potentially serving as a long-term energy source for "dark life" in the solar system [2] - Future extraterrestrial life detection missions should focus on searching for redox materials near fault zones, as these may serve as indicators of life [2] Group 3: Scientific Validation - The research effectively reconstructs the real physical and chemical processes of fault activity, providing explanations for the dynamics of deep subsurface microbial communities [2]